Phillips achieved strong results at its Geneva Jewels Auction, generating total sales of approximately US$7.03 million and reaffirming the enduring demand for signed jewellery, rare gemstones, and pieces with exceptional provenance.
The standout lot was an iconic Van Cleef & Arpels “Zip” necklace, one of the maison’s most celebrated and collectible creations. This rare jewel sold for CHF 619,200 (about US$788,400), becoming the highest-priced item of the sale and drawing keen interest from international collectors.
The auction also showcased the success of Phillips’ newly introduced “Collections & Provenance” category, dedicated to jewellery with distinguished ownership histories and notable heritage. Benoît Repellin, Worldwide Head of Jewellery at Phillips, reported an enthusiastic market response: the category achieved a 97% sell-through rate, with most sold lots surpassing their pre-sale high estimates.
A highlight was the presentation of historic jewels from the Vanderbilt family collection. Building on momentum from the successful Vanderbilt sale in late 2025, every piece offered in Geneva found a buyer, underscoring robust demand for jewels linked to prominent historical families and well-documented provenance.
Other standout lots included an early 20th-century ruby and diamond pendant by Chaumet, dated around 1902, and a striking 14.69-carat Colombian emerald ring. Both attracted competitive bidding and exemplified ongoing collector appetite for exceptional coloured gemstones and period jewellery.
Signed jewellery continued to be a top-performing segment. Phillips reported that 93% of signed jewellery lots were sold, and 80% of those achieved prices above their upper estimates. Rubies proved particularly strong, with collectors showing heightened interest in high-quality examples throughout the sale.
The auction preview and sale attracted more than 3,000 visitors, highlighting Geneva’s sustained role as a leading centre for fine jewellery auctions and a focal point for international collectors, dealers, and connoisseurs.
Overall, the results reflect the resilience of the high-end jewellery market, where exceptional craftsmanship, prestigious provenance, and iconic brand names continue to drive collector enthusiasm and robust auction performance worldwide.